Environmental Engineering Reference
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2008. A reduction in the cost of energy generation is expected in future as invest-
ment and operating costs decrease and system yield is optimized.
8.6 Ecology
Because of their size, wind turbines are often visible even from great distances and
therefore can create an eyesore in many places. Whether one fi nds wind turbines
attractive or ugly is really a matter of personal taste. Nevertheless, the subject has
become a major bone of contention. Whereas supporters swoon over the majestic
appearance of these technical masterpieces, opponents fi ght against what they con-
sider a blot on the landscape. There certainly are arguments that can legitimately
be made against wind turbines. However, it is important to bear in mind that wind
turbines are usually erected in areas that already bear many signs of human activity.
Traditional windmills have been a common sight for many centuries, and are now
regarded as picturesque additions to the landscape. Domestic livestock seems to get
used to the turbines much more quickly than humans (Figure 8.19). It is incredible
to think that around 190 000 high-voltage pylons and more than one million medium
and low-voltage masts are less controversial in Germany than the 20 000 wind tur-
bines there. The strong feelings about wind turbines may arise because people are
less used to seeing them than the other power infrastructure that criss-crosses the
European landscape.
Figure 8.19 Wind turbines in a rural landscape. Source left: German WindEnergy Association, Source right:
REpower Systems AG, Photo: Jan Oelker.
Considered objectively, the negative effects can be kept to a minimum. Erecting wind
turbines in conservation areas is just as much a taboo as it would be in residential
areas. If wind turbines adhere to a minimum distance from residential areas, the
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